Support structure

Abstract

To provide a support structure that has a small number of parts, excellent shape stability when unfolded, and an upper central area that can be effectively used for plant growth.SOLUTION: A support structure 10 includes: a support body 11 formed by connecting a plurality of sets of support units 20 each of which is formed by connecting a pair of support members 21a, 21b rotatably at their intersection by an upper connecting member 50 and a lower connecting member 60; and an opening / closing operation unit 12 including a connecting member 40 that connects the operating member 30 and the upper connecting member 50 arranged on a central axis S. The lifting and lowering of the operating member is coupled with changes in the shape of the support body. The number of parts is reduced to improve the stability of the shape in the unfolded state. The shape of the support body can be changed by lifting and lowering operation of the operating member. The opening and closing operation unit is located in the upper central area, which is advantageous for the growth of plants such as morning glory. The support structure can be made compact in the stored state, which saves the space of the storage area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for assisting the growth of plants, and particularly to a support structure suitable for growing vine plants such as morning glories.

Background Art

[0002] The observation record of the growth of morning glories is adopted as one of the learning tasks in elementary schools. And, it is common for a flowerpot for growing morning glories to be provided with a support structure for winding the vines of morning glories. As a support structure for assisting the growth of plants conventionally used, for example, those configured to be foldable as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known.

[0003] The support structure described in Patent Document 1 is composed of four support columns arranged in the vertical direction (vertical direction), and horizontal (horizontal direction) connecting rods rotatably attached via connecting pieces at the upper, middle, and lower positions of each support column. This support structure is configured to be foldable into a rod shape by pulling adjacent support columns in opposite directions along the axis.

[0004] The support structure described in Patent Document 2 is obtained by adding a structure in which an inner support column is arranged at the center of the four support columns (outer support columns) in the structure described in Patent Document 1, and is rotatably connected to each of a pair of opposing outer support columns by a connecting rod near the upper and lower ends of the inner support column. This support structure has the advantage that the inner support column and the connecting rod are located in the central space of the four support columns in the use state, so that the central space can be effectively utilized for the growth of plants.

[0005] The column structure described in Patent Document 3 is configured by connecting a plurality of sets of basic units, each formed by rotatably connecting a pair of connecting members at an intersection position, in the vertical direction and the circumferential direction, by relatively rotatably connecting the ends of the respective connecting members with connecting members to form a framework. This column structure exhibits a regular square prism shape in the deployed state, and based on the structure in which a pair of intersecting connecting members are rotatably connected, the whole can be folded in a pantograph shape. Incidentally, the column structure of Patent Document 3 can also be folded into a rod shape by extending the whole in the height direction, or can be folded into a flat shape by contracting the whole in the height direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The column structure described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which horizontal connecting rods are rotatably connected to four vertical columns. In the deployed state, since the rotating part of the connecting rod has a certain degree of mobility, there is a problem of low form stability. Also, in the deployed state, there is a problem that the central region on the upper end side is not effectively utilized for the growth of plants such as morning glories. Furthermore, when in the folded state, since the adjacent columns are shifted in the axial direction in opposite directions, the overall length becomes longer than the length dimension of the column itself, and there is room for improvement in compactness during storage.

[0008] The support structure described in Patent Document 2 is improved over the support structure of Patent Document 1 in that an inner support is provided so that the upper central region can be effectively utilized for plant growth, but it has the same other problems as Patent Document 1.

[0009] The support structure described in Patent Document 3 has a configuration in which basic units, which are formed by intersecting connecting members and connected rotatably, are framed, and thus has form stability in the deployed state and compactness in the folded state. However, since the number of parts and the number of movable connection points are large, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to assemble. In addition, in the deployed state of use, there is also a problem that the central region on the upper end side is not effectively utilized for plant growth.

[0010] In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a support structure that has a small number of members, is excellent in form stability in the deployed state, and can effectively utilize the upper central region for plant growth.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a support structure for assisting plant growth, which has a support body portion including a plurality of sets of support units each configured by rotatably connecting a pair of two intersecting rod-shaped support members at their intersection portions, and in the support body portion, the plurality of sets of support units are arranged so as to surround a predetermined central axis, each upper end portion of adjacent support members is bendably connected by an upper connection member, and each lower end portion of adjacent support members is bendably connected by a lower connection member, an operation member is arranged on the central axis, and the operation member and each of the plurality of upper connection members are connected by a plurality of connecting members each having one end rotatably connected to the operation member and the other end rotatably connected to the upper connection member, and the lifting and lowering along the central axis of the operation member and the form change between the deployed state in which all the support units exhibit an X-shaped form and the stored state in which all the support units exhibit an I-shaped form are configured to be interlocked via the connecting members.

[0012] With such a configuration, a plurality of sets of column units each composed of a pair of column members rotatably connected at the intersection are interconnected bendably by an upper connection member and a lower connection member, and an operating member is connected to the upper connection member via a connection member so as to be vertically movable. Thus, each member is bendable or rotatable and integrated. Since the vertical movement of the operating member is interlocked with the morphological change of the column unit, the column main body changes its form to a deployed state or a stored state according to the vertical movement of the operating member. Alternatively, the operating member moves vertically according to the morphological change of the column main body. In the deployed state of the column main body, the operating member and the connection member are located above the column main body. In the stored state of the column main body, the operating member and the connection member are located below, so that the overall height dimension of the column structure is within the height of the column unit itself.

[0013] The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein when in the stored state, the operating member and the connection member are stored in a space surrounded by the column unit.

[0014] With such a configuration, in the stored state, the operating member and the connection member are stored in a space surrounded by the column unit in an I-shaped form, so that the whole presents a rod-shaped form.

[0015] The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein in the column unit, a pair of column members are arranged along the same virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the intersection.

[0016] With such a configuration, since the two column members are arranged along the same virtual plane, the surface side of the column unit is flattened.

[0017] The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the column unit further includes angle regulating means for regulating the intersection angle of the column members in the deployed state to a predetermined angle.

[0018] With such a configuration, the crossing angle of the support member in the deployed state is restricted by the angle restricting means so as not to widen beyond a predetermined angle.

[0019] The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4, wherein the length of the connecting member is set longer than the distance between the operating member and the upper connecting member when assuming that the operating member is at the same height as the upper connecting member when the support main body is in the deployed state, within the range where the support unit can elastically deform outward.

[0020] With such a configuration, when the operating member is at the same height position as the upper end of the support main body, while the length of the connecting member is set longer than the distance between the operating member and the upper connecting member, the support unit is restricted by the angle restricting means so as not to be deployed beyond the maximum crossing angle. Therefore, the connecting member presses the support unit to elastically deform it outward, and the operating member receives the reaction force via the connecting member. As a result, the operating member tries to move upward or downward from the upper end of the support main body in order to cancel the reaction force.

[0021] The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 1, further including an auxiliary rod formed of a rod-shaped body having one end connected to the operating member and extending downward from the operating member.

[0022] With such a configuration, the auxiliary rod and the operating member interlock.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] As described above, according to the invention of claim 1, a plurality of sets of column units each consisting of a pair of column members rotatably connected at the intersection are interconnected by an upper connecting member and a lower connecting member so as to be bendable, and an operating member is connected to the upper connecting member via a connecting member so as to be vertically movable. Since each member is bendable or rotatable and integrated, the number of members can be reduced and the form stability of the column structure in the deployed state can be improved. Since the vertical movement of the operating member is interlocked with the form change of the column main body, the column main body changes its form to the deployed state or the stored state according to the vertical movement of the operating member. Therefore, by vertically operating the operating member, the form of the column main body can be easily switched between the deployed state and the stored state. Alternatively, since the operating member moves up and down according to the form change of the column main body, the operating member can be moved up and down by changing the form of the column main body. In the deployed state of the column main body, since the operating member and the connecting member are located above the column main body, a plant such as a morning glory can be wound around the upper central region of the column main body. As a result, the plant is more likely to receive sunlight, which is advantageous for the growth of the plant. In the stored state of the column main body, since the operating member and the connecting member are located downward, the overall height dimension of the column structure fits within the height of the column unit itself, so that the storage space for the column structure can be saved.

[0024] According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1, in the stored state, the operating member and the connecting member are stored in the space surrounded by the column unit in an I-shaped form, so that the whole presents a rod-shaped form. Therefore, the column structure can be made more compact and the storage space can be further saved.

[0025] According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1, since the two column members are arranged along the same virtual plane, the surface side of the column unit is flattened. Therefore, in the stored state, the side peripheral surface of the column structure presents a form equivalent to that of the side peripheral surface of a prism, so that the stacking and arrangement during storage are facilitated.

[0026] According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, since the crossing angle of the support members in the deployed state is regulated by the angle regulating means so as not to be wider than a predetermined angle, the form of the support structure in the deployed state can be stabilized.

[0027] According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 4, when the operating member is at the same height position as the upper end of the support body, while the length of the connecting member is set to be longer than the distance between the operating member and the upper connecting member, the support unit is regulated by the angle regulating means so that it cannot be deployed beyond the maximum crossing angle. Therefore, the connecting member presses the support unit and elastically deforms it outward, and the operating member receives the reaction force via the connecting member. As a result, the operating member tries to move upward or downward relative to the upper end of the support body in order to cancel the reaction force. Therefore, when trying to lower the operating part located above the upper end of the support body in the deployed state of the support body, the support unit exerts a resistance against the tendency to expand horizontally. Thus, a resistance also acts against the lowering of the operating part. For this reason, the operating member and the connecting member located above the support body are less likely to descend even when an external force acts, and it becomes easier to maintain their positions. That is, in the use state, it is possible to provide a support structure in which a part for winding a plant such as morning glory is secured in the upper central region of the support body.

[0028] According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, since the auxiliary rod and the operating member are interlocked, by operating the auxiliary rod to raise and lower the operating member, the form change of the support structure can be easily performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view showing a support structure in a deployed state.

[0031] As shown in the figure, the support structure 10 of this example is installed in a flowerpot U or the like in order to assist the growth of plants such as morning glories, and includes a plurality of sets of support units 20, an operation member 30, and a plurality of connecting members 40. In this example, four sets of support units 20 and four connecting members 40 are used, and a support main body 11 composed of four sets of support units 20 connected by an upper connection member 50 and a lower connection member 60, and an opening / closing operation unit 12 composed of an operation member 30 and a connecting member 40 constitute the support structure 10.

[0032] The support main body 11 of this example is configured to have a form of an inverted frustum of a square pyramid in which the area of the upper surface is larger than the area of the lower surface in the deployed state. That is, each support unit 20 is arranged along each side surface of a virtual inverted frustum of a square pyramid. Further, as will be described later, the support main body 11 changes its form between the deployed state and the stored state, and is configured to be interlocked with the raising and lowering of the opening / closing operation unit 12. In addition, a support shaft 70 for fitting into a mounting hole 71 provided in the flowerpot U protrudes downward from the lower surface of the lower connection member 60.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a column member used for the column structure shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 relates to the column member shown in FIG. 2, (A) is an enlarged front view of a part, (B) is an enlarged rear view of a part, (C) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of (B), FIG. 4 relates to a column unit used for the column structure shown in FIG. 1, (A) is a front view showing a stored state, (B) is a front view showing a deployed state, FIG. 5 is a view showing an enlarged intersection of the column unit shown in FIG. 4, (A1) is a front view in a stored state, (A2) is a right side view in a stored state, (B1) is a front view in a deployed state, (B2) is a right side view in a deployed state, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y of (B1) in FIG. 5, (A) of FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of an upper connection member used for the column structure shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is a plan view showing an example of a lower connection member used for the column structure shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, a pair of two column members 21a and 21b constituting the column unit 20 are rod-shaped members made of plastic, metal, wood, or a composite material thereof, and each has joint portions 22a and 22b that are abutted to form the intersection 22. Then, the upper portions 23a and 23b and the lower portions 24a and 24b provided above and below with the joint portions 22a and 22b interposed therebetween are respectively arranged along parallel axes m and n separated by a predetermined interval. As a result, the two column members 21a and 21b exhibit a crank-like form formed such that the front view shapes are substantially mirror-symmetrical to each other. Further, apertures 25a, 25b, 26a, and 26b for inserting a rotating shaft body are formed at the upper and lower ends of the column members 21a and 21b when connecting to the upper connection member 50 or the lower connection member 60.

[0035] The formation positions of the joint parts 22a and 22b in the support members 21a and 21b are set to be below the intermediate positions of the support members 21a and 21b. That is, the length dimensions T1 of the upper parts 23a and 23b are set to be larger than the length dimensions T2 of the lower parts 24a and 24b. Therefore, the formation position of the intersection part 22 is set according to the ratio between the length dimension T1 of the upper parts 23a and 23b and the length dimension T2 of the lower parts 24a and 24b.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, the support members 21a and 21b of this example adopt a structure in which ribs 27 inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction are formed at appropriate intervals on the inner surface side of the half pipe. With this structure, weight reduction of the support members 21a and 21b and ensuring of the bending strength are realized.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, a pair of two support members 21a and 21b are connected to be rotatable at the intersection part 22 to constitute a support unit 20. The support unit 20 can be changed in form between a storage state (see (A) in FIG. 4) in which the upper ends and the lower ends are brought close to each other to form an I-shaped form by rotating the support members 21a and 21b at the intersection part 22, and a deployed state (see (B) in FIG. 4) in which the upper ends and the lower ends are separated to form an X-shaped form. In this specification, the I-shaped form of the support unit 20 means a state in which the upper ends and the lower ends of the support members 21a and 21b are closest to each other, even if it is not exactly the same as the font of "I", and the X-shaped form of the support unit 20 means a state in which the upper ends and the lower ends of the support members 21a and 21b are separated, even if it is not exactly the same as the font of "X".

[0038] In this example, since the position of the intersection 22 is below the middle of the support members 21a and 21b, the separation dimension L1 on the upper end side in the deployed state is larger than the separation dimension L2 on the lower end side. The ratio of L1 to L2 is equal to the ratio of the length dimensions T1 of the upper parts 23a and 23b to the length dimensions T2 of the lower parts 24a and 24b described above. There is no particular limitation on the value of L1:L2 (= T1:T2), but it may be appropriately set, for example, in the range of 1.01:1 to 2.5:1, and preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2.2:1. For example, in this embodiment, L1:L2 is set to 1.7:1.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the intersection 22 of the support members 21a and 21b can be provided, for example, by forming disk-shaped joint parts 22a and 22b having through holes in the center in the middle of the support members 21a and 21b, overlapping these front and back, and inserting a shaft member 28 through the through holes. With this configuration, the support members 21a and 21b can be rotated at the intersection 22. Further, in this example, the support members 21a and 21b are arranged along a predetermined virtual plane P orthogonal to the rotation axis Q of the intersection 22 (see A2 and B2 in FIG. 5). With this configuration, the surface side of the support unit 20 is flattened.

[0040] In addition, step portions 29a to 29d that are separated in the stored state and come into contact in the deployed state are provided on the side circumferential surfaces of the disk-shaped joint parts 22a and 22b. These step portions 29a to 29d function as angle restricting means for restricting the intersection angle θ of the support members 21a and 21b so as not to exceed a predetermined angle when they come into contact during deployment. This θ is a value that satisfies sin(θ / 2) = L1 / (2·T1) using the aforementioned L1 and T1.

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 1, the four sets of support units 20 constructed as described above are arranged to surround the predetermined central axis S, and the upper ends of adjacent support members 21a and 21b are flexibly connected by an upper connection member 50, and the lower ends of adjacent support members 21a and 21b are flexibly connected by a lower connection member 60, whereby the support body portion 11 is constructed. Further, an operating member 30 is arranged on the central axis S of the support body portion 11, and the operating member 30 and each upper connection member 50 are connected by a plurality of connecting members 40, one end of which is rotatably connected to the operating member 30 and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the upper connection member 50, thereby constructing the opening and closing operation portion 12. By making each support unit 20 have a common form and making the lengths of the connecting members 40 equal, the operating member 30 can be configured to move along the central axis S. The operating member 30 has, for example, a gripping portion 31 that can be used as a grip when raising and lowering it, and a bracket portion 32 that rotatably holds one end portion of the connecting member 40.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 7(A), the upper connection member 50 includes, for example, a first bracket portion 51 that rotatably holds the other end portion of the connecting member 40, and second and third bracket portions 52 and 53 that rotatably hold the upper ends of the adjacent support members 21a and 21b, respectively. The axes of the second and third rotation axes 52a and 53a of the second and third bracket portions 52 and 53 intersect the axis of the first rotation axis 51a of the first bracket portion 51 at an angle of 45 degrees, respectively, and the axes of the second and third rotation axes 52a and 53a are set to be perpendicular to each other. With this configuration, the adjacent support members 21a and 21b are held such that their upper ends rotate in orthogonal planes. Further, the connecting member 40 is held such that it rotates in a plane that forms an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the rotation planes of the support members 21a and 21b.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 7(B), the lower connection member 60 includes, for example, fourth and fifth bracket portions 61 and 62 that rotatably hold the lower ends of adjacent support members 21a and 21b, respectively. The axis of the fourth rotation axis 61a of the fourth bracket portion 61 and the axis of the fifth rotation axis 62a of the fifth bracket portion 62 are set to be orthogonal to each other. With this configuration, the adjacent support members 21a and 21b are held such that their lower end sides rotate within planes orthogonal to each other.

[0044] In addition, in the present embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which the support members 21a and 21b are arranged along a predetermined virtual plane P orthogonal to the rotation axis Q of the intersection portion 22 (see A2 and B2 in FIG. 5), the upper connection member 50 and the lower connection member 60 are realized without difficulty having the structures as described above.

[0045] At the connection portion between the operation member 30 and the connecting member 40, the connection portion between the upper connection member 50 and the connecting member 40 and the support members 21a and 21b, and the connection portion between the lower connection member 60 and the support members 21a and 21b, appropriate clearances are respectively formed around the first to fifth rotation axes, and the movable ranges of the respective members are expanded within a range that does not impair the form stability of the support structure 10.

[0046] Based on the configuration described above, in each support unit 20, the upper end portion of one support member 21a is flexibly connected to the upper end portion of the other support member 21b of the adjacent support unit 20 via the upper connection member 50. Similarly, in each support unit 20, the lower end portion of one support member 21a is flexibly connected to the lower end portion of the other support member 21b of the adjacent support unit 20 via the lower connection member 60. Further, the connecting member 40 that connects the operation member 30 and the upper connection member 50 is rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the upper connection member 50 as the operation member 30 moves up and down.

[0047] Subsequently, the form change of the support structure 10 in this example will be described.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a front view showing the deployed state of the support structure shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 9 is a front view showing an intermediate state between the deployed state and the stored state of the support structure shown in FIG. 1, (A) of FIG. 10 is a front view showing the stored state of the support structure shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is an enlarged front view of the upper end side portion thereof.

[0049] The support structure 10 in this example changes its form between a deployed state in which all the support units 20 exhibit an X-shaped form as shown in FIG. 8 and a stored state in which all the support units 20 exhibit an I-shaped form as shown in FIG. 10(A). And it is configured such that this form change is interlocked with the operation of the opening / closing operation unit 12.

[0050] In the deployed state shown in FIG. 8 of the support structure 10 in this example, when the operation member 30 is pushed downward along the central axis S, as shown in FIG. 9, the connecting member 40 rotates so as to incline downward in the horizontal direction, bringing its posture closer to the vertical direction. This change in the posture of the connecting member 40 acts to shorten the horizontal distance between the operation member 30 and the support unit 20 and bring the two closer. As a result, the support unit 20 moves inward, and in conjunction with this, the support unit 20 rotates the support members 21a and 21b so as to reduce the separation at the upper end side. And if it is set to the state during storage shown in FIG. 9, an external force in a direction to reduce the distance between the opposing support units 20 is applied to the outer surface of the support main body 11. As a result, the support members 21a and 21b rotate so that the crossing angle becomes smaller, and eventually the support structure 10 transitions to a stored state in which all the support units 20 exhibit an I-shaped form as shown in FIG. 10(A).

[0051] On the contrary, to deploy the support structure 10 from the stored state, first, an external force in the direction of pulling apart the two is applied to any one pair of opposing support units 20 of the support structure 10 in the stored state shown in Fig. 10(A). As a result, the support main body 11 transitions to the state during deployment shown in Fig. 9. Then, in the state of Fig. 9, when the operating member 30 is pulled up along the central axis S, the connecting member 40 rotates so as to approach the horizontal direction, thereby expanding the horizontal distance between the operating member 30 and the support unit 20. In conjunction with this, the support members 21a and 21b rotate so as to increase the crossing angle, and each support unit 20 expands the separation on its upper end side. Further, by pulling up the operating member 30 above the upper end of the support main body 11, each support unit 20 can be deployed to the maximum crossing angle regulated by the angle regulating means, and the support structure 10 can be transitioned to the deployed state shown in Fig. 8, in which all the support units 20 exhibit an X-shaped form.

[0052] In this example, as shown in Fig. 10(B), when the support main body 11 is in the stored state, the elevation angle α of the connecting member 40 with respect to the operating member 30 is approximately 90 degrees, and the connecting member 40 is configured to be in a posture close to the vertical direction. It should be noted that the value of the elevation angle α is preferably set appropriately within the range of 80 to 100 degrees. Further, the support main body 11 is set so as to create an appropriate separation between the opposing support units 20 in the stored state, and a space 13 is formed in the central portion. As a result, in the stored state, the operating member 30 and the connecting member 40 can be stored in the space 13 surrounded by the support units 20, and the overall shape of the support structure 10 can be made to exhibit a rod-like form. That is, in the stored state, the operating member 30 and the connecting member 40 do not protrude upward or laterally, and the height dimension of the support structure 10 is configured to fit within the height of the support unit 20 itself. As a result, the support structure 10 of this example can have a very compact form in the stored state, and space can be saved in the storage location.

[0053] Further, in this example, a pair of two support members 21a and 21b are arranged along the same virtual plane P orthogonal to the rotation axis Q of the intersection portion 22 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the surface side of each support unit 20 is flattened, so that the entire support structure 10 in the stored state exhibits a quadrangular prism shape (see (A) in FIG. 10). As a result, there is an advantage that stacking and arranging when storing the support structure 10 become very easy.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operations of the connecting member and the support member as the operating member moves up and down in the support structure shown in FIG. 10, where (A) shows a state where the operating member is located above the upper connecting member, (B) shows a state where the operating member is at the same height as the upper connecting member, and (C) is a front view showing a state where the operating member is located below the upper connecting member, respectively.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 11(B), in the case where the column main body portion 11 of the present example is in the deployed state, the opening / closing operation portion 12 sets the length D1 of the connecting member 40 to be longer by a dimension d than the distance D2 between the operating member 30 and the upper connecting member 50 when the operating member 30 is located at the same height as the upper connecting member 50 provided at the upper end of the support member 21a (21b). The magnitude of this dimension d is appropriately set within a range in which the support unit 20 can be elastically deformed outward.

[0056] By setting the length of the connecting member 40 as described above, the opening / closing operation unit 12 functions as follows. In the deployed state of the column main body 11, when pushing down the operation member 30 located above the upper connecting member 50, as shown in Fig. 11(A), along the central axis S to the position shown in Fig. 11(C) of the same figure, assume the case where the operation member 30 reaches the same height position as the upper connecting member 50, as shown in Fig. 11(B) of the same figure. At this time, while the length D1 of the connecting member 40 is set to be longer than the distance D2 between the operation member 30 and the upper connecting member 50 by the dimension d, the column unit 20 is regulated by the angle regulating means so that it cannot be deployed beyond the maximum crossing angle. For this reason, when the operation member 30 passes through the same height position as the upper connecting member 50, the connecting member 40 presses the column unit 20 and elastically deforms it outward by the dimension d. As a result, the reaction force acts on the operation member 30 via the connecting member 40. Similarly, when pulling up the operation member 30 from the position in Fig. 11(C) to the position in Fig. 11(A) of the same figure, it receives a reaction force when passing through the same height position as the upper connecting member 50. In other words, it can be said that the operation member 30 is mechanically more stable when it is in the position shown in Fig. 11(A) or (C) than when it is in the position shown in Fig. 11(B).

[0057] From the above, it is understood that in order to move the operation member 30 from the position in Fig. 11(A) to the position in Fig. 11(C), or vice versa from the position in Fig. 11(C) to the position in Fig. 11(A), it is necessary to apply an external force that resists the resistance force generated based on the elastic deformation of the column unit 20 when passing through the position shown in Fig. 11(B). Therefore, it can be said that when the operation member 30 and the connecting member 40 are located above the upper connecting member 50 shown in Fig. 11(A), it is difficult for them to descend even when an external force acts. In the use state, it becomes easy to secure a part for winding plants such as morning glories in the upper central region of the column main body 11.

[0058] Incidentally, the bracket portion 32 of the operation member 30 may be provided with appropriate depression angle limiting means for limiting the depression angle β of the connecting member 40 with respect to the operation member 30, as shown in Fig. 11(A), to a certain angle or less. By providing the depression angle limiting means, the upper limit position when the operation member 30 is moved upward can be defined. In this way, even if the operation member 30 at the upper limit position is pulled up in the deployed state, the operation member 30 will not move further, so the column main body portion 11 will not be deformed. Therefore, when the column structure 10 is in the deployed state, the user can lift or move the column structure 10 while holding the opening / closing operation portion 12 and maintaining the form of the deployed state, so that excellent handleability can be exhibited. Incidentally, the maximum value of the depression angle β restricted by the depression angle limiting means may be appropriately set, for example, in the range of 45 degrees or less.

[0059] Incidentally, when the operation member 30 is in the position shown in Fig. 11(C), it also becomes difficult to move upward. Therefore, in the state shown in Fig. 11(C), when an external force in the housing direction is applied to the column main body portion 11, it is possible to surely prevent the operation member 30 from moving upward and protruding.

[0060] The support structure 10 of this example configured as described above can be used in, for example, the following usage modes. In use, assume a case where the rod-shaped support structure 10 (see Fig. 10) in the stored state and the flowerpot U (see Fig. 1) are provided. First, an external force in the direction of expanding any of the support members 21a, 21b outward is applied to the rod-shaped support structure 10. Since the members of the support structure 10 are integrally connected so that each member interlocks, by applying an external force to only some of the support members 21a, 21b, all the support units 20 can be deformed in the unfolding direction presenting an X-shaped form. If the support main body 11 is unfolded halfway (see Fig. 9), the operating member 30 is pulled up along the central axis S. When the operating member 30 passes through the same height position as the upper connecting member 50, the support main body 11 can be moved to the maximum unfolded state by the action of the connecting member 40 (see Fig. 8). When the support structure 10 reaches the maximum unfolded state, the support shaft 70 formed on the lower surface of the lower connecting member 60 is inserted and fitted into the mounting hole 71 provided in the flowerpot U. By designing so that the separation dimension L2 on the lower end side of the support unit 20 in the unfolded state matches the interval of the mounting holes 71 of the flowerpot U, the operation of inserting the support shaft 70 into the mounting hole 71 becomes easy. In the state where the support shaft 70 is inserted into the mounting hole 71, the interval between the lower ends of the support members 21a, 21b is fixed and the rotation of each support unit 20 is blocked, so that the entire support structure 10 is held so as not to easily deform its form.

[0061] The support structure 10 installed on the flowerpot U in this way, when used, for example, for the growth of morning glories, the morning glories grow while winding their vines around the support members 21a, 21b. When the vines of the morning glories reach the upper end of the support main body 11, they further wind around the opening and closing operation part 12 located above and grow.

[0062] The support structure 10 of this example has the shape of an inverted truncated pyramid with an upper surface area larger than that of the lower surface area, and has a portion around which vines can be wrapped in the upper central region of the support body 11. This increases the apparent surface area of ​​the upper region that is more susceptible to sunlight, which is advantageous for the growth of morning glories. Furthermore, the apparent volume of the growing morning glories increases on the upper side, giving them a good-looking appearance.

[0063] When the growth of the morning glory is completed, the support structure 10 is pulled out from the flowerpot U and separated. Then, the operating member 30 of the support structure 10 in the expanded state (see FIG. 8) is pushed down along the central axis S. As a result, the support structure 10 changes its shape by the action of the connecting member 40 so that the opposing support units 20 approach each other (see FIG. 9). When an external force in the contracting direction is subsequently applied to the outer surface of the support body 11, each member works together to move all the support units 20 to a stored state in an I-shaped form. At this time, the operating member 30 and the connecting member 40 are stored in the central space 13 of the support body 11, and the entire support structure 10 takes on a rod-like form in the shape of a square pillar. When the support structures 10 are square pillar-shaped in the stored state, the gap between adjacent support structures 10 can be reduced when they are arranged side by side or stacked, and they have an excellent space factor, which allows space saving in storage.

[0064] [Second embodiment] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a support structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state, and FIG. 13 is a front view showing the support structure shown in FIG. 12 in a stored state.

[0065] In the first embodiment described above, the support members and connecting members of the support structure are formed from straight rod-shaped bodies. Alternatively, the support members 121a, 121b and the connecting member 140 may be formed from curved rod-shaped bodies.

[0066] The basic configuration of the support structure 100 shown in FIG. 12 is common to the above-described embodiments. That is, the support structure 100 includes four sets of support units 120, an operation member 130, and four connecting members 140. The support main body 101 is constituted by the support units 120 connected by an upper connecting member 150 and a lower connecting member 160, and the opening and closing operation unit 102 is constituted by the operation member 130 and the connecting members 140. The pair of two support members 121a and 121b constituting each support unit 120 are rotatably connected at an intersection 122, and the lengths of upper portions 123a and 123b provided above and below the intersection 122 are formed to be larger than the lengths of lower portions 124a and 124b. As a result, the formation position of the intersection 122 is set to be below the intermediate position of the support members 121a and 121b. As a result, the deployed state of the support main body 101 is configured to exhibit an inverted frustum of a pyramid in which the area on the upper end side is larger than the area on the lower end side. Further, by integrally connecting the members, the shape change of the support main body 101 and the raising and lowering of the opening and closing operation unit 102 are interlocked. Note that a support shaft 170 for fitting into the mounting hole 71 of the flowerpot U is formed on the lower surface of the lower connecting member 160.

[0067] In this example, the upper portions 123a and 123b and the lower portions 124a and 124b of the support members 121a and 121b, and the connecting members 140 are each given a curvature that bulges outward. The curvature of each part is not particularly limited, but the dimension of bulging outward compared to the case of forming in a straight line shape may be appropriately set according to the implementation situation.

[0068] Note that when each member is curved, regarding the elevation angle α (see FIG. 10(B)) of the connecting member 140 with respect to the operation member 130 in the stored state and the depression angle β (see FIG. 11(B)) of the connecting member 140 with respect to the operation member 130 in the deployed state as described in the first embodiment, it may be set with reference to the line connecting the rotation centers of the ends of each member.

[0069] In the support structure 100 of this example, since the support members 121a and 121b are curved, vines such as morning glories wound around them are less likely to slip off their surfaces, which contributes to the efficient growth of morning glories and the like. Also, when in the deployed state during use, by bending each support member 121a and 121b outward, the apparent surface area of the support main body 101 can be increased. As a result, morning glories and the like are more likely to receive sunlight, and there is also the advantage that the appearance during growth is improved. Furthermore, in the folded storage state, since the internal space of the support main body can be expanded, the dimensions of the operation member 130 can be increased.

[0070] [Third Embodiment] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the usage state of the support structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a front view showing the deployed state of the support structure shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 16 is a front view showing the state where the operation member of the support structure shown in FIG. 14 is lowered, FIG. 17 is a front view showing an intermediate state between the deployed state and the storage state of the support structure shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. 18 is a front view showing the storage state of the support structure shown in FIG. 14.

[0071] In this embodiment, in the second embodiment, the basic configuration is the same, an auxiliary rod 300 extending downward from the operation member 230 is added, and bamboo-joint-shaped convex portions 400 are further formed on the surfaces of the support members 221a and 221b.

[0072] The support structure 200 shown in FIG. 14 has the same basic configuration as that of the second embodiment, and includes four sets of support units 220, an operation member 230, and four connecting members 240. The support body portion 201 is constituted by the support units 220 connected by an upper connection member 250 and a lower connection member 260. Further, an opening / closing operation portion 202 is constituted by an operation member 230 including a gripping portion 231 and a bracket portion 232, and four connecting members 240 whose one ends are rotatably held by the bracket portion 232. The pair of two support members 221a and 221b constituting each support unit 220 are rotatably connected at an intersection portion 222, and the lengths of the upper portions 223a and 223b above the intersection portion 222 are formed to be larger than the lengths of the lower portions 224a and 224b located below. In other words, the formation position of the intersection portion 222 is set to be below the intermediate position of the support members 221a and 221b, whereby the shape of the support body portion 201 in the deployed state is configured to exhibit an inverted frustum of a pyramid in which the area of the upper end side is larger than the area of the lower end side. Further, by integrally connecting the respective members, the shape change of the support body portion 201 is made to be interlocked with the elevation of the opening / closing operation portion 202. Incidentally, a support shaft 270 (see FIG. 15) for fitting into the mounting hole of the flowerpot U is formed on the lower surface of the lower connection member 260.

[0073] The support structure 200 of this example is characterized in that an auxiliary rod 300 composed of a rod-shaped body having one end connected to the operation member 230 and extending downward from the operation member 230 is provided. The auxiliary rod 300 is, for example, a hollow pipe formed using synthetic resin or metal, a solid rod, or a long plate. In this example, a hollow pipe made of synthetic resin is adopted in view of light weight.

[0074] In this example, a concave portion is provided on the lower surface of the bracket portion 232 in the operation member 230, and one end of the auxiliary rod 300 is adhesively bonded to this concave portion in a fitted state, whereby the auxiliary rod 300 is connected to the operation member 230 so as to hang substantially vertically along the central axis S.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 18, the form change operation of the support structure 200 using the auxiliary rod 300 will be described. Referring to FIG. 15, when the support structure 200 of this example is in the deployed state, if the auxiliary rod 300 is lowered along the central axis S, as shown in FIG. 16, the operating member 230 is lowered in conjunction with the auxiliary rod 300, and the connecting member 240 is rotated so as to incline downward in the horizontal direction. Referring to FIG. 17, when the auxiliary rod 300 is further lowered, the connecting member 240 interlocked with the operating member 230 brings its posture closer to the vertical direction. Due to this change in the posture of the connecting member 240, the horizontal distance between the operating member 230 and the support unit 220 is shortened, bringing the two closer. At this time, the support members 221a and 221b rotate about the intersection 222 so as to reduce the separation between their upper and lower ends. If the state shown in FIG. 17 during storage is reached, when an external force in a direction to reduce the distance between the opposing support units 220 is applied to the outer surface of the support main body 201, each support member 221a, 221b further rotates, and all the support units 220 can be shifted to the storage state presenting an I-shaped form as shown in FIG. 18.

[0076] Conversely, to shift the support structure 200 from the storage state of FIG. 18 to the deployed state of FIG. 15, first, an external force in a direction to pull apart a pair of arbitrarily opposing support units 220 is applied to the support structure 200 in the storage state shown in FIG. 18, and the support main body 201 is brought into the state during deployment shown in FIG. 17. Then, in the state of FIG. 17, when the auxiliary rod 300 is pushed up along the central axis S, the operating member 230 rises in conjunction with this, and the connecting member 240 rotates so as to approach the horizontal direction, thereby expanding the horizontal distance between the operating member 230 and the support unit 220. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, each support unit 220 is in a state where the separation between its upper and lower ends is expanded. Finally, as shown in FIG. 15, by pushing up the auxiliary rod 300 and moving the operating member 230 above the upper end of the support main body 201, each support unit 220 can be deployed to the maximum intersection angle, and the support structure 200 can be shifted to the deployed state.

[0077] In this example, the support structure 200 is provided with an auxiliary rod 300 connected to the operation member 230. Since the auxiliary rod 300 and the operation member 230 are interlocked, by raising and lowering the auxiliary rod 300, the operation member 230 can be raised and lowered, and the form of the support body main portion 201 can be easily changed between the deployed state and the stored state. The auxiliary rod 300 is easier for the operator to grasp and apply force compared to the gripping portion 231 of the operation member 230, so the advantage of being able to easily change the form of the support body main portion 201 can be obtained.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 14, when the support structure 200 of this example is installed in the flowerpot U, the auxiliary rod 300 is located at the center of the support body main portion 201. As a result, when the morning glory grows, the auxiliary rod 300 becomes an object around which the morning glory vines can wind in the internal space of the support body main portion 201. Therefore, the internal space of the support body main portion 201 can be effectively utilized as a region for the morning glory vines to wind around, and it has the advantage of being able to enrich the lush state of the morning glory.

[0079] Incidentally, regarding the length dimension of the auxiliary rod 300, when the support structure 200 is in the stored state (see FIG. 18), it may be set to a length dimension such that the tip 301 of the auxiliary rod 300 does not protrude from the support structure 200. With this configuration, even if the auxiliary rod 300 is added, the form of the support structure 200 in the stored state hardly changes, so the compactness can be maintained.

[0080] Alternatively, the length dimension of the auxiliary rod 300 may be set to a length dimension such that the tip 301 of the auxiliary rod 300 contacts the soil filled in the flowerpot U or approaches the surface of the soil in the use state shown in FIG. 14. With this configuration, when the morning glory grows, the advantage that the vines are likely to wind around the auxiliary rod 300 can be obtained.

[0081] Incidentally, in this example, another feature is that bamboo-joint-shaped convex portions 400 are formed on the surfaces of the support members 221a and 221b. These convex portions 400 are integrally formed with the support members 221a and 221b and a synthetic resin, and are composed of low-height stepped portions or ridges extending radially along the curvature of the surfaces of the support members 221a and 221b, and are arranged at substantially regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the support members 221a and 221b.

[0082] By forming the convex portions 400 on the surfaces of the support members 221a and 221b, an effect can be expected that the morning glory vines are more likely to wrap around. Also, when growing non-vining plants such as eggplants and tomatoes other than morning glories, when tying the stems to the support members 221a and 221b with a string to support the stems, the convex portions 400 function as a slip stopper for the string.

[0083] As described above, in the support structure according to the present invention, each member is integrally connected so as to be bendable or rotatable, and each member is configured to interlock, so that the form change operation between the storage state and the deployed state can be easily performed, and there is no risk that a part of the member will separate at that time. Further, the support body is configured by connecting a plurality of sets of support units each composed of a pair of two support members that are rotatably crossed, and the total number of members is relatively small. As a result, compared with the conventional products described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the form stability of the support structure in the deployed state is improved and it is less likely to deform, so that the operation of installing the support structure in a flowerpot is facilitated. Also, the fact that the opening and closing operation of the support structure is facilitated by providing the operation opening and closing portion is an advantageous effect compared with the conventional products described in Patent Documents 1 and 3. These effects are particularly useful when the support structure of the present invention is used as a teaching material for first graders in elementary school, in light of the assumed working ability of first graders in elementary school.

[0084] Incidentally, in each of the above embodiments, the column structure includes four sets of column units, and the column main body in the deployed state has a shape of an inverted frustum of a square pyramid and has a shape of a regular square prism in the stored state. However, the column structure may include three sets of column units or five or more sets of column units. In this case, the column main body in the deployed state has a shape of an inverted frustum of a triangular pyramid or an inverted frustum of a polygon with five or more sides, and in the stored state, it has a shape of a regular triangular prism or a regular prism with five or more sides.

[0085] Alternatively, an intersection portion may be formed in the middle of the column member, and by setting the separation dimensions of the upper end side and the lower end side of the column unit in the deployed state to be equal, the column main body in the deployed state may have a prismatic shape. Or, the intersection portion may be formed above the middle position of the column member, and by setting the separation dimension of the upper end side of the column unit in the deployed state to be smaller than the separation dimension of the lower end side, the column main body in the deployed state may have a shape of a regular frustum of a pyramid in which the area of the lower end side is larger than the area of the upper end side. This form is suitable for the growth of plants that thrive in the area close to the ground because the area of the lower end side becomes larger. Also, the stability of the column structure in the deployed state is improved.

[0086] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the column member is formed in a half-pipe shape, but instead, it may be formed of a hollow pipe-shaped, solid rod-shaped, or flat plate-shaped member. Also, the ribs may be omitted. Furthermore, the surface of the column member may be roughened so that the vines of the morning glory wrapped around it are less likely to slip.

[0087] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the stepped portion formed at the joint portion is used as the angle regulating means for the column members, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it is conceivable to configure such that the separation between the column members when the column members are deployed is restricted by a string-shaped member or a chain-shaped member spanned between the column members. Or, if the position where the connecting member is horizontal is set as the maximum deployment position, the connecting member can function as the angle regulating means for the column members.

[0088] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the operation member and all the upper connection members are connected by a connecting member, but at least two opposing upper connection members may be connected to the operation member by a connecting member.

[0089] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the opening / closing operation part is connected to the column main body part so as not to be easily separated, but the opening / closing operation part may be detachable from the column main body part. This can be realized, for example, by providing an appropriate fitting structure between the end of the connecting member and the upper connection member, or by adding an attachment.

[0090] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, a structure using a rotation shaft is adopted as the connection means between the upper connection member and the column member and the connecting member, and the connection means between the lower connection member and the column member, but it is not limited thereto, and an appropriate connection structure such as a ball joint or a universal joint may be adopted.

[0091] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, since the column main body part is constructed by four sets of column units, in the upper connection member and the lower connection member, the rotation shafts of the adjacent column members are configured to be orthogonal, but when changing the number of column units used, accordingly, the intersection angle of the rotation shafts of the column members may be appropriately changed.

[0092] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each column unit has a common form, but some column units may have different forms. For example, the column unit of the first embodiment and the column unit of the second embodiment may be mixed and used.

[0093] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the column main body part is composed of a single-stage column unit group, but another stage of column unit group may be stacked and connected on the upper part, and the column main body part may be composed of a column unit group connected in two upper and lower stages. Alternatively, the column unit groups may be stacked and connected in three or more stages to form a multi-stage column main body part. In these cases, the ratio of the separation dimension between the upper end side and the lower end side in the deployed state of the column unit may be made different in some stages or for each stage.

[0094] Furthermore, at either one or both of the connection points between the connecting member and the operating member and the connection point between the connecting member and the upper connecting member, resistance-providing means for providing resistance to the rotation of the connecting member when lowering the operating member located above may be provided. Thereby, in the deployed state, even if the operating member receives an external force, it becomes more difficult to lower, contributing to an improvement in the form stability of the column structure.

[0095] Furthermore, stoppers for preventing rotation or bending may be provided at some or all of the connection points between the members. Thereby, it becomes possible to fix the column structure in the form of the stored state and / or the deployed state as necessary.

[0096] Furthermore, the gripping portion of the operating member may have a function as a nameplate on which a name can be written or a name sticker can be attached in addition to the function as a grip, or a nameplate may be attachable. Alternatively, the gripping portion may be omitted.

[0097] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, a support shaft for installation in a flowerpot is provided on the lower connecting member, but instead of this support shaft, a longer anchor member for directly installing the column structure on the ground may be provided. Alternatively, the support shaft may be omitted.

[0098] Furthermore, when an auxiliary rod is provided on the operating member as in the third embodiment above, the gripping portion of the operating member may be omitted.

[0099] Furthermore, in the third embodiment above, the auxiliary rod may be separable from the operating member. For this, for example, a screw engagement structure or a forced fitting structure may be adopted. On the contrary, the auxiliary rod may be integrally formed with the operating member. Also, the auxiliary rod may be configured by connecting a plurality of members and the length may be adjustable.

[0100] Furthermore, the auxiliary rod of the third embodiment above may be applied to the column structure of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0101] Furthermore, in addition to the bamboo joint shape, the shape of the convex portion on the surface of the column member in the above-described third embodiment may also be a hemispherical shape, a block shape, a conical shape, etc. However, from the perspective of handleability, it is preferable that the surface of the convex portion does not have sharp or acute portions. Also, instead of the convex portion, a concave portion may be formed on the surface of the column member.

Explanation of Signs

[0102] 10, 100, 200... Column structure 11, 101, 201... Column main body part 12, 102, 202... Opening / closing operation part 13... Space 20, 120, 220... Column unit 21a, 21b, 121a, 121b, 221a, 221b... Column member 22, 122, 222... Intersection part 30, 130, 230... Operating member 40, 140, 240... Connecting member 50, 150, 250... Upper connecting member 60, 160, 260... Lower connecting member 300... Auxiliary rod 400... Convex portion P... Virtual plane Q... Rotation axis S... Central axis U... Flowerpot α... Elevation angle β... Depression angle θ... Intersection angle In addition, the same reference signs in each figure indicate the same or corresponding parts.

Claims

1. A support structure for assisting the growth of plants, comprising: a support body portion including a plurality of sets of support units, each set of support units being formed by pivotally connecting a pair of intersecting rod-shaped support members at their intersection; in the support body portion, the plurality of sets of support units are arranged to surround a predetermined central axis, and each upper end of adjacent support members is flexibly connected by an upper connecting member, and each lower end of adjacent support members is flexibly connected by a lower connecting member; an operating member is disposed on the central axis; one end of the operating member and each of the plurality of upper connecting members are connected by a plurality of connecting members, one end of each connecting member being pivotally connected to the operating member and the other end being pivotally connected to the upper connecting member; configured such that the up-and-down movement of the operating member along the central axis and the morphological change between a deployed state in which all the support units exhibit an X-shaped form and a stored state in which all the support units exhibit an I-shaped form are interlocked via the connecting members; a support structure.

2. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein when in the stored state, the operating member and the connecting members are stored in a space surrounded by the support units.

3. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein in the support unit, the pair of support members are arranged along the same virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the intersection.

4. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein the support unit further comprises an angle regulating means for regulating the intersection angle of the support members in the deployed state to a predetermined angle.

5. The length of the connecting member is set longer than the distance between the operating member and the upper connecting member when it is assumed that the operating member is at the same height as the upper connecting member when the support body portion is in the deployed state, within a range in which the support unit can elastically deform outward. The support structure according to claim 4.

6. The support structure according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary rod formed by a rod-shaped body having one end connected to the operating member and extending downward from the operating member.

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